Rayagada, June 25, (OT Webdesk): In a disturbing incident underscoring deep-rooted caste prejudices, a Scheduled Tribe (ST) woman’s inter-caste marriage to a Scheduled Caste (SC) man triggered a sweeping social boycott by her native village in Odisha’s Rayagada district.
According to reports dated June 21, the community allegedly demanded a purification ritual to reintegrate the family.
When the woman’s relatives resisted, nearly 40 male members were reportedly forcibly tonsured—a symbolic act of atonement imposed under duress.
Taking suo motu cognisance, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued a notice to the Odisha Chief Secretary, mandating a detailed report within two weeks.
The Commission termed the coercive demands and forced tonsure a serious violation of human rights and called for a thorough probe.
Legal experts and human rights activists have condemned the incident, stressing that such regressive societal actions undermine constitutional rights and the spirit of equality.
As Odisha grapples with the fallout, the state government’s response may become a test case in upholding dignity and freedom in inter-caste relationships.
